| Flowers in Gods Garden
- Articles |
25/02/02
- 'We must learn lessons from Victoria tragedy'
Candles have been lit to mark the second anniversary
of the death of Victoria Climbie as her parents call
for lessons to be learned from the tragedy. Francis
and Berthe Climbie joined members of the public on the
steps of Haringey Civil Centre in north London to lay
flowers.
Mrs Climbie sobbed as she sang A Cry For Joy, one of
Victoria's favourite hymns, before a minute's silence.
Mrs Climbie said: "Both people who failed Victoria
must take their responsibility for failing her. The
pain and negligence which my daughter had to suffer
must not be repeated upon any child in England or around
the world."
Mr Climbie says the family were prepared to forgive
what happened to Victoria but only if efforts are made
to ensure it can never happen to another child.
He has restated the family's intention to sue those
professionals who allowed Victoria to suffer months
of abuse by her great-aunt Marie Therese Kouao and Kouao's
lover Carl Manning, who are serving life for murder.
Victoria, eight, died with 128 injuries to her body
after being starved, beaten and trussed in a bin bag
and left to sleep in a freezing bathroom. The abuse
continued despite Victoria's regular contact with four
local authorities, two police child protection teams,
two hospitals and social workers.
Mr Climbie said the family were spurred on by Victoria's
"memory and spirit" to seek justice for themselves
and other families: "We have been shocked and disappointed
by some of the agencies involved in the inquiry - particularly
the hospitals and the NHS.
No employees have been disciplined so far. For us to
have justice senior employees involved need to be disciplined."
Flowers were sent from some of those accused of failing
Victoria, including a bouquet from Haringey Council
and another from the NSPCC.
Its card read: "In memory of Victoria and for all
children who suffer from cruelty." The inquiry
is expected to report in September with radical recommendations
after hearing that at least 12 chances to save Victoria's
life were missed. |
| Contact : bernard.omahoney@bernardomahoney.com |
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| Flowers in Gods Garden |
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| Paul Pearson |
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| Rosie Palmer |
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| Sophie Hook |
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| Sarah Payne |
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| Victoria Climbie |
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| Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman |
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